For the eighth annual traveling Rock the Bells festival, organizers have tapped some of hip-hop and r&b’s biggest names. Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Raekwon and Ghostface, Erykah Badu, and Mobb Deep have been confirmed as headliners for this year’s four-date tour that kicks off August 20 in Los Angeles. Mos Def and Talib Kweli (returning as their side-project Black Star), Mac Miller, Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T, and Freddie Gibbs are also slated to appear, while more guests are expected to be announced shortly.
For the second year in a row, Rock the Bells will feature top acts performing their classic albums in their entirety. Hill will revisit her landmark debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, while Nas will perform his breakthrough debut Illmatic and Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon will team up with Ghostface for his 1995 solo debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx….
More than thirty artists will perform across three stages for the one-day fest. Murs will curate an indie-centric space dubbed the Paid Dues Stage, while Wu-Tang’s RZA will oversee the 36 Chambers Stage, which will host members of the Wu-Tang plus hand-picked artists.
In addition to the four-date festival tour, Rock the Bells organizers will also bring a pared-down club tour this summer; artists and dates have yet to be announced.
Check out the full lineup and dates below and head over to Rock the Bells for more info.
Rock the Bells 2011 Lineup
Lauryn Hill (performing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill)
Nas (performing Illmatic)
Cypress Hill (performing Black Sunday)
Erykah Badu
Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star
Raekwon and Ghostface (performing Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…)
Mobb Deep (performing The Infamous)
The GZA (performing Liquid Swords)
Immortal Technique
Slaughterhouse
Mac Miller
Curren$y
Souls of Mischief (performing 93 ‘Til Infinity)
Black Moon
Childish Gambino
Blu and Exile
Fashawn
Random Axe
Mastah Killah (performing No Said Date)
Evidence
Macklemore
Freddie Gibbs
Roc Marciano
Rock the Bells 2011 Dates
8/20, San Bernardino, CA (San Manuel Ampitheatre)
8/27, Mountain View, CA (Shoreline Ampitheatre)
9/3, New York, NY (Governor’s Island)
9/10, Boston, MA (Location TBD)
